Now that we’re into the nitty-gritty weeks here, Target Report will take a bigger shift toward player-focused takes to help you better with starts, sits, and who you can trust in your lineups going forward into the fantasy football playoffs.

Targets are paramount when it comes to evaluating pass-catchers for fantasy football. There are no air yards, receiving yards, receptions, or touchdowns without first earning a target. And to earn a target, you need to be deemed “open” by the quarterback. It’s one significant trickle-down effect. There’s a reason the biggest and most consistent target-earners are near the top of fantasy football ADP: They can be relied on by not just their team’s offense to earn targets and produce on those targets, but that also trickles down to the fantasy managers drafting those pass-catchers and starting them in their lineups each week.

In this season’s Fantasy Football Target Report, we’ll take a weekly team-by-team look into these target earners and separate the wheat from the chaff. To properly lead into what we’ll be looking at this season, we’ll have to establish a baseline of the most important things we’re looking at with targets and other receiving metrics that paint the complete picture for who we should be rostering, who we should be adding, and who we can drop. Combing the box score stats doesn’t paint a clear picture of the players we should target, roster, and start. Fantasy football rankings can only paint so much of the picture as well.

Everything we’ll discuss here and this season in the Fantasy Football Target Report will be some of the best statistics and metrics that correlate with fantasy football production. Think of targets as a page in a coloring book, just the outline yet to be colored. Coloring on that page adds context and flavor to that page. That’s what we’ll be doing with targets — adding more context than just some target totals and saying, “go add this player,” which doesn’t help anybody.

 

This season, we're adding a video component, so if you want to get some of the juiciest nuggets of the target report in video form, check out the Target Report Bulletpoints for the upcoming Week 17!

 

LEGEND

Targets

Passes thrown in the direction of a receiver, whether intended or not

Receptions

Passes caught by a pass-catcher

Rec. Yards

Yards gained from a completed pass by the pass-catcher.

TD

Receiving touchdowns

Air Yards

 The distance between where the pass is thrown from a quarterback to where the intended receiver either catches or doesn’t catch the ball. Caught or not caught, the air yards are recorded regardless.

This statistic is significant for determining the quarterback and coaching staff's predictive value in an offense and their intent.

Air Yards Team Share %

A pass-catcher’s percentage share of a team's air yards in a given week.

Route %

Percentage of routes a pass-catcher runs on a pass play per dropback on their team.

Snap %

Percentage of snaps a pass-catcher plays on an offensive series on their team.

Target Share %

Percentage of targets a pass-catcher receives in a given week on their team.

Yards per Target

Receiving yards a player gets on average per target. YPT is another intent-based metric but more predictive with the more targets a player receives.

TPRR

Targets per route run (TPRR) is a metric that measures how often a receiver is targeted vs. the amount of routes they run. A higher TPRR means that the player is better at earning targets when he's on the field. A low raw route number or low route % coupled with a high TPRR means that the pass-catcher is efficient at earning targets and could be in line for more routes depending on the team situation.

25%+ TPRR = Elite

17-18% = Close to replacement level

Sub 17% = Not fantasy relevant

aDOT

aDOT is "average depth of target". It’s the average depth of all targets caught or incomplete by a targeted pass-catcher. Shows how a receiver is used in his team’s offense (vertical threat, short area target, etc.)

YPRR

A metric that contextualizes the efficiency of a pass-catcher with how many receiving yards per route run. It's a much better metric than yards per reception.

WOPR

WOPR is a weighted average incorporating a player's share of team targets and air yards.

RACR

RACR is a ratio dividing receiving yards by total air yards. It measures how many receiving yards a player creates for every air yard thrown at him. The percentage of a team's air yards that a player commands based on his average depth of target and volume of targets. Most RACR numbers for running backs skew wildly by the nature of the running back position, which rarely earns air yards.

NOTE:

Any player not listed for a particular team is not somebody who’s rostered in most fantasy formats. The listing at the end (QB1, RB2, etc.) is how they should be viewed for the rest of the season, not for the next week.)

All statistics below are listed in the following format:

  • QB as:
    • (20-of-30, 212 yds., 1/1; 4-100-2) 
    • Pass Completions - Pass Att. - Pass Yds., TD/Int; Rush Att - Rush Yds. - TD
  • RB as:
    • (18-75-1; 10-4-100-2) 
    • Rush Att. - Rush Yds. - TD; Targets - Receptions - Rec. Yds. - TD
  • WR/TE as:
    • (10-4-100-2)
    • Targets - Receptions - Rec. Yds. - TD
 

NFL Target Report

Arizona Cardinals

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Rondale MooreWR323004821.7%88.1%82.0%8.1%10.08.1%16.00.810.2740.6253750
Zach PascalWR     0.0%7.1%14.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00039
Michael WilsonWR40007132.1%92.9%90.2%10.8%0.010.3%17.80.000.3870.0003955
Greg DortchWR524516127.6%83.3%78.7%13.5%9.014.3%12.21.290.3960.7383548
Trey McBrideTE863104018.1%88.1%96.7%21.6%3.921.6%5.00.840.4510.7753759
Elijah HigginsTE3217010.5%26.2%27.9%8.1%5.727.3%0.31.550.12517.0001117
Blake WhiteheartTE     0.0%2.4%3.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00012
James ConnerRB55671-4-1.8%42.9%59.0%13.5%13.427.8%-0.83.720.190-16.7501836
Emari DemercadoRB8740010.5%45.2%37.7%21.6%5.042.1%0.12.110.32740.0001923
Michael CarterRB100031.4%4.8%3.3%2.7%0.050.0%3.00.000.0500.00022

Week 16 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Kyler Murray (24-of-38, 230 yds., 2/0; 5-32)
    • Murray, in your fantasy semi-finals or championships in Week 17, is purely a streamer, as he’s only averaged 1.5 total touchdowns in his six games this season. His matchup against the Eagles is pretty solid, but there are better options.
      • Mid-range QB2 with some upside
  • James Conner (12-45; 5-5-67-1)
    • With Conner putting up RB11 or better performances in the last three weeks against some tough competition (SF, CHI), he remains a mid-range RB2 with clear upside for more if he can get going in the passing game for the Cardinals.
      • Mid-range RB2/quality flex option
  • Trey McBride (8-6-31)
    • Trey McGronk is just an absolute unit. He will be a third or fourth-round pick at minimum next season, so we’re starting him no matter what. He got a bunch of volume but wasn’t targeted on much other than short passes. Hopefully, McBride can exploit a porous Eagles’ secondary in Week 17.
      • Must-start TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Atlanta Falcons

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Drake LondonWR433903927.9%97.1%76.6%12.5%9.811.8%9.81.150.3831.0003449
Mack HollinsWR     0.0%2.9%23.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000115
KhaDarel HodgeWR115053.6%22.9%31.3%3.1%5.012.5%5.00.630.0721.000820
Scott MillerWR1115010.7%11.4%10.9%3.1%15.025.0%1.03.750.05215.00047
Van JeffersonWR311304028.6%57.1%40.6%9.4%4.315.0%13.30.650.3410.3252026
Kyle PittsTE434913927.9%88.6%71.9%12.5%12.312.9%9.81.580.3831.2563146
Jonnu SmithTE643201611.4%74.3%68.8%18.8%5.323.1%2.71.230.3612.0002644
MyCole PruittTE     0.0%5.7%37.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000224
Tucker FiskTE     0.0%0.0%21.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000014
Bijan RobinsonRB10750042.9%88.6%75.0%31.3%5.032.3%0.41.610.48912.5003148
Tyler AllgeierRB11190-4-2.9%8.6%20.3%3.1%19.033.3%-4.06.330.027-4.750313
Cordarrelle PattersonRB227000.0%11.4%20.3%6.3%3.550.0%0.01.750.0940.000413

Week 16 Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Bijan Robinson (12-72; 10-7-50)
    • After last week’s massive dud, we got a bounce-back game from Bijan. While he didn’t get into the end zone, he saw 22 opportunities and led the Falcons in all receiving categories in Week 16. Keep him in the mid-range RB2 conversation for Week 17 despite a tougher matchup with the Bears.
      • Mid-range RB2 with overall RB1 upside who Arthur Smith holds back for some insane reason
  • Tyler Allgeier (9-69-1; 1-1-19)
    • Pretty efficient on the ground, but ultimately, you’re not starting him unless you’re desperate at this stage of the playoffs. 
      • A barely rosterable mid-range RB3
  • Drake London (4-3-39)
    • London is hard to trust, no matter who is at quarterback for the Falcons. We know the upside he has, but the boom weeks are just as likely as the bust ones.
      • Mid-range WR3/high-end flex
  • Kyle Pitts (4-3-49-1)
    • Despite catching a touchdown, Pitts is still hard to trust, but at least he’s running routes on at least 89% of dropbacks in three consecutive weeks. He’s a streaming tight end if you’re desperate.
      • Mid-range TE2/high-end streamer

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Baltimore Ravens

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Rashod BatemanWR411402010.9%47.5%54.4%11.8%3.521.1%5.00.740.2530.7001937
Odell BeckhamWR321301910.3%65.0%54.4%8.8%4.311.5%6.30.500.2050.6842637
Zay FlowersWR1397216133.2%92.5%77.9%38.2%5.535.1%4.71.950.8061.1803753
Nelson AgholorWR43101137.1%62.5%54.4%11.8%2.516.0%3.30.400.2260.7692537
Tylan WallaceWR     0.0%0.0%7.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00005
Isaiah LikelyTE435605127.7%85.0%73.5%11.8%14.011.8%12.81.650.3701.0983450
Charlie KolarTE11170179.2%10.0%29.4%2.9%17.025.0%17.04.250.1091.000420
Gus EdwardsRB1139084.3%30.0%42.6%2.9%39.08.3%8.03.250.0754.8751229
Justice HillRB3331000.0%52.5%61.8%8.8%10.314.3%0.01.480.1320.0002142
Patrick RicardFB1000-5-2.7%22.5%41.2%2.9%0.011.1%-5.00.000.0250.000928

Week 16 Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Lamar Jackson (23-of-35, 252 yds., 2/0; 7-45)
    • Elite fantasy quarterback; the ceiling for league-winning weeks is always within reach for Jackson.
      • High-end QB1
  • Gus Edwards (9-31-1; 1-1-39)
    • Out-touched by Justice Hill 13-10 and ran less routes and snaps than Hill as well. Still, Edwards is the Ravens’ running back we want in fantasy for the touchdown equity and high-value touches.
      • Edwards is a solid mid-range RB2 with ample touchdown upside
  • Zay Flowers (13-9-72-1)
    • A dud in Week 15 is surrounded by 20+ fantasy point games in Week 13, 14, and 16. Flowers is nursing a calf injury, so that should be monitored. Still, Flowers should be a mid-range WR3 in a good matchup with Miami in Week 17.
      • Mid-range WR3
  • Isaiah Likely (4-3-56)
    • Likely has become one of the more trusted pass-catchers on the Ravens, which should be zero surprise considering he’s been a one-for-one replacement for Mark Andrews. At tight end, you can take this to the bank as a low-end TE1, where options that earn consistent work, decent volume, and touchdown upside are scarce outside the top fantasy options.
      • Low-end TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Buffalo Bills

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Stefon DiggsWR8529011441.2%78.3%60.0%38.1%3.644.4%14.31.610.8600.2541833
Gabe DavisWR64130112846.2%82.6%85.5%28.6%21.731.6%21.36.840.7521.0161947
Trent SherfieldWR     0.0%47.8%60.0%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001133
Deonte HartyWR     0.0%13.0%7.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00034
Khalil ShakirWR33450186.5%65.2%58.2%14.3%15.020.0%6.03.000.2602.5001532
Dawson KnoxTE22260134.7%47.8%47.3%9.5%13.018.2%6.52.360.1762.0001126
Dalton KincaidTE217041.4%52.2%41.8%9.5%3.516.7%2.00.580.1531.7501223
Quintin MorrisTE     0.0%0.0%3.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00002
James CookRB     0.0%60.9%74.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001441
Latavius MurrayRB     0.0%21.7%12.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00057
Leonard FournetteRB     0.0%13.0%18.2%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000310
Reggie GilliamFB     0.0%0.0%3.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00002

Week 16 Buffalo Bills Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Josh Allen (15-of-21, 237 yds., 1/1; 5-15-2)
    • We’re starting him no matter what.
      • Locked-in QB1
  • James Cook (20-70)
    • Cook has been locked into a much better role over the past few weeks, and while that only turned into seven fantasy points because he wasn’t factored into the receiving game, he’s still a solid mid-range RB2 with spike-week potential.
      • Mid-range RB2 with spike-week potential
  • Stefon Diggs (8-5-29)
    • Diggs has been struggling lately, with just one week better than WR45 in the last six weeks. If you’ve made it this far with him in your lineup, you’re pretty much locked into starting him.
      • Low-end WR1
  • Dalton Kincaid (2-1-7)
    • With just four targets in his last two games (both with Dawson Knox back) and just the one catch for seven yards as the only production he’s had in both games, you can do better. Start him if you absolutely have to, but if you have a better option, start him over Kincaid.
      • Purely a streamer this week and not a great one; Kincaid is incredibly difficult to trust

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Carolina Panthers

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Adam ThielenWR8694010430.7%95.0%87.9%25.0%11.821.1%13.02.470.5900.9043858
DJ CharkWR8698213238.9%82.5%72.7%25.0%12.324.2%16.52.970.6480.7423348
Jonathan MingoWR1190-1-0.3%82.5%92.4%3.1%9.03.0%-1.00.270.045-9.0003361
Ihmir Smith-MarsetteWR1118082.4%27.5%31.8%3.1%18.09.1%8.01.640.0632.2501121
Ian ThomasTE     0.0%7.5%18.2%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000312
Tommy TrembleTE645905516.2%67.5%72.7%18.8%9.822.2%9.22.190.3951.0732748
Stephen SullivanTE532104011.8%22.5%21.2%15.6%4.255.6%8.02.330.3170.525914
Miles SandersRB215041.2%40.0%63.6%6.3%2.512.5%2.00.310.1021.2501642
Chuba HubbardRB1180-3-0.9%37.5%36.4%3.1%8.06.7%-3.00.530.041-2.6671524
Raheem BlackshearRB     0.0%0.0%1.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00001

Week 16 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Chuba Hubbard (16-43-1; 1-1-8)
    • Hubbard has the clear lead-back role in Carolina, and his role is rock solid with 25, 23, 22, and 16 carries in the past four weeks. The trouble is, he’s a Carolina Panther. Still, that’s good enough for a volume-based play that could also see a target or two.
      • Mid-range RB2 with a solid rushing floor
  • Adam Thielen (8-6-94)
    • Thielen is strictly a floor play, and he saw a solid day thanks to the Panthers being able to stay in the game against the Packers. Still, there’s the downside with the Panthers’ passing game, and it’s the entire thing cratering. He’s a low-end WR3 against the Jaguars in Week 17.
      • Low-end WR3 with major fantasy downside

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Chicago Bears

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
DJ MooreWR631806725.8%84.8%74.3%26.1%3.021.4%11.20.640.5720.2692852
Darnell MooneyWR4250155.8%87.9%81.4%17.4%1.313.8%3.80.170.3010.3332957
Tyler ScottWR     0.0%51.5%41.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001729
Velus JonesWR10004517.3%24.2%18.6%4.3%0.012.5%45.00.000.1860.000813
Trent TaylorWR     0.0%3.0%5.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00014
Collin JohnsonWR     0.0%6.1%18.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000213
Cole KmetTE54107010440.0%36.4%42.9%21.7%21.441.7%20.88.920.6061.0291230
Robert TonyanTE11140145.4%42.4%44.3%4.3%14.07.1%14.01.000.1031.0001431
Marcedes LewisTE111110.4%21.2%50.0%4.3%1.014.3%1.00.140.0681.000735
Khalil HerbertRB2190166.2%39.4%51.4%8.7%4.515.4%8.00.690.1740.5631336
Roschon JohnsonRB33160-2-0.8%42.4%45.7%13.0%5.321.4%-0.71.140.190-8.0001432
Khari BlasingameFB     0.0%12.1%25.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000418

Week 16 Chicago Bears Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Justin Fields (15-of-27, 170 yds., 1/1; 9-97-1)
    • You take the good with the bad. You know he can put up a dud, but you know he has overall QB1 in his range of outcomes. We plug away and start him anyway.
      • Low-end QB1 with weekly overall QB1 upside
  • Khalil Herbert (20-112-1; 2-1-9)
  • Roschon Johnson (9-37; 3-3-16)
    • Herbert saw most of the work on the ground despite giving up the half snaps and giving the edge in routes ran to Johnson. When split two ways, this backfield gets a lot more projectable. Herbert edged out Johnson in opportunities 22-12. I’d be fine starting Herbert as a flex option against the Falcons, but Johnson is merely just bench fodder.
      • Herbert is a low-end RB2 option, while Johnson remains a bench stash
  • DJ Moore (6-3-18; left Week 16 - leg)
    • The clear top target in Chicago’s passing game, Moore is the only pass-catcher receiving consistently usable volume and the production to go with it. If he can’t go in Week 17 with a leg injury, the entire Bears pass-catching group takes a hit in efficiency. I wouldn’t be starting Darnell Mooney if that’s what you’re asking.
      • High-end WR2
  • Cole Kmet (5-4-107; left Week 16 - knee)
    • The second target in Chicago, Kmet is a solid low-end TE1 option with solid touchdown equity. Kmet had a 100-yard game, thanks to a 53-yard reception. Kmet didn’t practice on Wednesday with his knee injury, so that’s definitely something to monitor this week.
      • Low-end TE1/high-end TE2

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Cincinnati Bengals

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Tee HigginsWR8514018334.0%88.9%81.3%20.0%17.520.0%10.43.500.5381.6874052
Tyler BoydWR755904819.7%84.4%79.7%17.5%8.418.4%6.91.550.4001.2293851
Trenton IrwinWR44370229.0%31.1%40.6%10.0%9.328.6%5.52.640.2131.6821426
Charlie JonesWR11-10-3-1.2%4.4%10.9%2.5%-1.050.0%-3.0-0.500.0290.33327
Andrei IosivasWR843608233.6%75.6%71.9%20.0%4.523.5%10.31.060.5350.4393446
Drew SampleTE33380-1-0.4%44.4%54.7%7.5%12.715.0%-0.31.900.110-38.0002035
Mitchell WilcoxTE116020.8%17.8%23.4%2.5%6.012.5%2.00.750.0433.000815
Tanner HudsonTE215093.7%64.4%50.0%5.0%2.56.9%4.50.170.1010.5562932
Joe MixonRB427000.0%44.4%59.4%10.0%1.820.0%0.00.350.1500.0002038
Trayveon WilliamsRB     0.0%4.4%4.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00023
Chase BrownRB228020.8%20.0%21.9%5.0%4.022.2%1.00.890.0814.000914

Week 16 Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Jake Browning (28-of-42, 335 yds., 1/3; 1-0)
    • Jake Browning has been QB8, QB4, and QB4 in the past three weeks before Week 16, but he came back down to earth after his game against the Steelers, where he had three interceptions. Browning has been pretty competent but gets a tough game in Arrowhead against the Chiefs. I’m cautious to start him unless I absolutely have to.
      • Mid-range QB2/so-so streamer
  • Joe Mixon (11-43; 4-2-7)
    • Mixon retains his sizable role, but the Bengals are noticeably passing less without Browning, as they should. It’s gotten Chase Brown much more work, but both can co-exist.
      • Mid-range RB2
  • Ja'Marr Chase (Missed Week 16 - shoulder)
    • Chase participated in the team’s walkthrough on Wednesday, which looks promising for his Week 17 availability.
      • High-end WR2
  • Tee Higgins (8-5-140-1)
    • Without Chase, Tee Higgins stepped up with a huge game but will slot back into the familiar second chair once Chase returns. Still, we know Higgins has this kind of ceiling, as he hasn’t shown it much this season. He should be in most lineups in Week 17 against the Chiefs, especially if Chase remains out with his shoulder injury.
      • High-end WR3
  • Tyler Boyd (7-5-59)
    • If Chase is available, Boyd shouldn’t be starting on your fantasy roster in the semi-finals or championship. If Chase is out, Boyd jumps up to a mid-range WR3 with some target-earning upside.
      • Mid-range WR3 with target-earning upside if Chase is out in Week 17

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Cleveland Browns

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Amari CooperWR1511265228672.2%84.4%79.3%44.1%17.739.5%19.16.971.1670.9273865
Elijah MooreWR42190358.8%82.2%81.7%11.8%4.810.8%8.80.510.2380.5433767
Cedric TillmanWR2213092.3%71.1%73.2%5.9%6.56.3%4.50.410.1041.4443260
David BellWR2160-1-0.3%20.0%24.4%5.9%3.022.2%-0.50.670.086-6.000920
Marquise GoodwinWR     0.0%11.1%13.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000511
David NjokuTE964415313.4%71.1%79.3%26.5%4.928.1%5.91.380.4910.8303265
Jordan AkinsTE22180143.5%20.0%18.3%5.9%9.022.2%7.02.000.1131.286915
Harrison BryantTE116030.8%28.9%26.8%2.9%6.07.7%3.00.460.0492.0001322
Jerome FordRB21-20-6-1.5%31.1%42.7%5.9%-1.014.3%-3.0-0.140.0780.3331435
Pierre StrongRB1000-3-0.8%11.1%15.9%2.9%0.020.0%-3.00.000.0390.000513
Kareem HuntRB4250-3-0.8%26.7%37.8%11.8%1.333.3%-0.80.420.171-1.6671231

Week 16 Cleveland Browns Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Joe Flacco (27-of-42, 368 yds., 3/2; 2-1)
    • Joe Flacco is Joe Flacco. He’s statuesque, will rack up a bunch of pass attempts (44, 45, 44, and 42 in the last four weeks), still has a strong arm, and is not afraid to dump the ball off. He gets the Jets on a short week, where it’s going to be incredibly difficult to match his overall QB1 week this week.
      • Mid-range QB2/decent streamer 
  • Jerome Ford (15-25-1; 2-1-(-2))
  • Kareem Hunt (7-11-1; 4-2-5)
    • Hunt mixes into Ford’s work enough to be annoying (and take a touchdown from Ford), but Ford has the slight edge on snaps (43%-39%) and on routes (31%-27%). 
      • Ford is a low-end RB2 and Hunt is a high-end RB3 for semi-finals and fantasy championships
  • Amari Cooper (15-11-265-2)
    • Just… wow. I mean, you’ve got to start him no matter what after that kind of monster performance, right?
      • Low-range WR2/High-end WR3
  • David Njoku (9-6-44-1)
    • With fantasy top-10 weeks in seven of his last nine weeks, you must start Njoku where you have him. With so many passing attempts in this offense with Joe Flacco under center, it’s allowing for the weekly upside to shine through.
      • Mid-range TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Dallas Cowboys

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
CeeDee LambWR10611817642.7%94.7%87.9%31.3%11.827.8%7.63.280.7681.5533658
Brandin CooksWR22141147.9%84.2%78.8%6.3%7.06.3%7.00.440.1491.0003252
Michael GallupWR224063.4%60.5%50.0%6.3%2.08.7%3.00.170.1170.6672333
Jalen TolbertWR225105128.7%34.2%36.4%6.3%25.515.4%25.53.920.2941.0001324
KaVontae TurpinWR1140-2-1.1%18.4%13.6%3.1%4.014.3%-2.00.570.039-2.00079
Jake FergusonTE84450126.7%84.2%83.3%25.0%5.625.0%1.51.410.4223.7503255
Luke SchoonmakerTE114010.6%5.3%19.7%3.1%4.050.0%1.02.000.0514.000213
Peyton HendershotTE200000.0%13.2%24.2%6.3%0.040.0%0.00.000.0940.000516
Tony PollardRB115031.7%60.5%69.7%3.1%5.04.3%3.00.220.0591.6672346
Rico DowdleRB2000169.0%15.8%16.7%6.3%0.033.3%8.00.000.1570.000611
Hunter LuepkeRB118010.6%5.3%16.7%3.1%8.050.0%1.04.000.0518.000211

Week 16 Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Dak Prescott (20-of-32, 253 yds., 2/0; 5-25)
    • Dak is still a top fantasy option at quarterback despite duds in the last few weeks.
      • Fantasy QB1
  • Tony Pollard (12-38; 1-1-5)
    • After a four-week stretch where Pollard was no worse than RB16 from Weeks 11-14, Pollard has been no better than RB36 with just 100 yards from scrimmage combined in his last two games. If you have a better option, start them by all means, but if not, you’re locked into the hope that an actual back-and-forth game breaks out at home vs. Detroit in Week 17.
      • Mid-range RB2 with a low floor
  • CeeDee Lamb (10-6-118-1; 2-14)
    • Stud.
      • A must-start WR1 every week
  • Brandin Cooks (2-2-14-1; 1-9)
    • Cooks is still a low-end flex, but the floor is pretty low. His value fluctuates based on the game script and those scripts haven’t been too friendly to the pass lately.
      • Low-end WR3/high-end flex
  • Jake Ferguson (8-4-45)
    • Continue to start Ferguson with his matchup against Detroit in Week 17 in a game that could shoot out between two high-powered offenses.
      • Low-end TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Denver Broncos

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Jerry JeudyWR5344011040.0%90.7%72.5%14.3%8.812.8%22.01.130.4940.4003950
Courtland SuttonWR10003512.7%4.7%13.0%2.9%0.050.0%35.00.000.1320.00029
Marvin MimsWR436306322.9%51.2%43.5%11.4%15.818.2%15.82.860.3321.0002230
Brandon JohnsonWR534717125.8%72.1%68.1%14.3%9.416.1%14.21.520.3950.6623147
Lil'Jordan HumphreyWR     0.0%55.8%58.0%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0002440
Adam TrautmanTE100020.7%32.6%49.3%2.9%0.07.1%2.00.000.0480.0001434
Chris ManhertzTE     0.0%4.7%34.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000224
Lucas KrullTE54281217.6%39.5%31.9%14.3%5.629.4%4.21.650.2681.3331722
Javonte WilliamsRB33-50-17-6.2%20.9%39.1%8.6%-1.733.3%-5.7-0.560.0850.294927
Samaje PerineRB54270-2-0.7%44.2%34.8%14.3%5.426.3%-0.41.420.209-13.5001924
Jaleel McLaughlinRB54300-10-3.6%20.9%24.6%14.3%6.055.6%-2.03.330.189-3.000917
Michael BurtonFB114020.7%11.6%23.2%2.9%4.020.0%2.00.800.0482.000516

Week 16 Denver Broncos Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Javonte Williams (11-24; 3-3-(-5))
    • Williams was pretty poor, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry despite getting into the end zone. His snaps have been in a freefall since Week 12 from 70% to one of his lowest percentages of the season - 39%. He’s a high-end RB3 on a middling offense mixing in with Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin.
      • High-end RB3 with little upside
  • Courtland Sutton (1-0-0; left Week 16 - concussion)
    • Sutton left Week 16 with a concussion and is now in concussion protocol. With Russell Wilson benched for the rest of the season, there’s not much reason to go back to the Sutton well for the rest of the season.
      • Low-end WR3

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Detroit Lions

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Amon-Ra St. BrownWR141210615440.6%97.6%98.7%35.9%7.635.0%3.92.650.8231.9634078
Jameson WilliamsWR654303324.8%61.0%58.2%15.4%7.224.0%5.51.720.4041.3032546
Kalif RaymondWR222902418.0%39.0%32.9%5.1%14.512.5%12.01.810.2031.2081626
Josh ReynoldsWR411604030.1%63.4%59.5%10.3%4.015.4%10.00.620.3640.4002647
Donovan Peoples-JonesWR1111053.8%9.8%6.3%2.6%11.025.0%5.02.750.0652.20045
Sam LaPortaTE3318021.5%78.0%94.9%7.7%6.09.4%0.70.560.1269.0003275
James MitchellTE     0.0%19.5%36.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000829
Anthony FirkserTE     0.0%0.0%2.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00002
Jahmyr GibbsRB74200-20-15.0%46.3%58.2%17.9%2.936.8%-2.91.050.164-1.0001946
David MontgomeryRB22140-5-3.8%17.1%39.2%5.1%7.028.6%-2.52.000.051-2.800731
Craig ReynoldsRB     0.0%0.0%3.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00003

Week 16 Detroit Lions Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Jared Goff (30-of-40, 257 yds., 1/0; 3-0)
    • Goff has been solid but not spectacular, save for the five-touchdown game in Week 15. Still, Goff deserves to be in the starting conversation in fantasy. It’s going to be tough to start him vs. Dallas and their aggressive defense, but I’m okay with him vs. lesser options with better perceived matchups.
      • QB1/QB2 fringe option that’s pretty safe; the Dallas matchup looms, so Goff is maybe closer to a QB2 in Week 17
  • Jahmyr Gibbs (15-80-2; 7-4-20)
  • David Montgomery (17-55-1; 2-2-14)
    • This offense flows through the run, and the proverbial table is plenty full for Gibbs and Montgomery to both get their fill. Start both and reap the benefits.
      • Both Gibbs and Montgomery are high-end RB2 options and both have weekly RB1 upside
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (14-12-106-1)
    • Stud. Must-start.
      • Solid WR1
  • Sam LaPorta (3-3-18)
    • Even with a dud game here on a week where the Lions still passed the ball 40 times, it’s crazy that LaPorta only saw three targets, These games happen. No worries on my end here starting LaPorta every week.
      • Must-start top-three TE

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Green Bay Packers

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Romeo DoubsWR547916832.4%83.3%87.9%19.2%15.820.0%13.63.160.5151.1622558
Samori ToureWR20002110.0%13.3%10.6%7.7%0.050.0%10.50.000.1850.00047
Dontayvion WicksWR222912612.4%43.3%39.4%7.7%14.515.4%13.02.230.2021.1151326
Malik HeathWR110000.0%83.3%77.3%3.8%0.04.0%0.00.000.0580.0002551
Bo MeltonWR644407334.8%46.7%37.9%23.1%7.342.9%12.23.140.5890.6031425
Tucker KraftTE646002511.9%90.0%92.4%23.1%10.022.2%4.22.220.4292.4002761
Josiah DeguaraTE     0.0%13.3%22.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000415
Ben SimsTE     0.0%20.0%30.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000620
Aaron JonesRB318031.4%36.7%51.5%11.5%2.727.3%1.00.730.1832.6671134
AJ DillonRB     0.0%10.0%18.2%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000312
Patrick TaylorRB11-10-6-2.9%26.7%30.3%3.8%-1.012.5%-6.0-0.130.0380.167820

Week 16 Green Bay Packers Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Jordan Love (17-of-28, 219 yds., 2/0; 2-12-1)
    • Love has been a good, not great fantasy option and gets a must-win game on his plate against the Vikings. He’s closer to a QB2 than a QB1, but the matchup is at least solid for him to do some damage, especially with a few pass-catching pieces potentially coming back.
      • High-end QB2/streamer
  • Aaron Jones (21-127; 3-1-8)
    • The Packers did what they could to get the ball into his hands, and Jones capitalized on a great matchup with Carolina. Jones hasn’t looked better than he did in Week 16, so hopefully, that momentum can keep going in a must-win game vs. Minnesota.
      • Mid-range RB2
  • Christian Watson (Missed Week 16 - hamstring)
    • Watson has missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury. It’s going to be very hard to trust him in lineups, even if he does suit up against the Vikings on Sunday Night Football in the semi-finals or championship of your fantasy league.
      • High-end WR3 when healthy
  • Romeo Doubs (5-4-79-1)
    • Doubs is too inconsistent to see starting treatment despite Watson being out of the lineup. He’s been touchdown-dependent, but you could do worse in your flex in a pinch. With Reed and Dontayvion Wicks trending towards being back in the lineup, Doubs is a flex option at best.
      • Low-end WR3 and an inconsistent low-end flex
  • Jayden Reed (Missed Week 16 - toe/chest)
    • Reed missed Week 16 due to two separate injuries, but he’ll be a flex option if he does suit up in Minnesota vs. the Vikings on Sunday night. He did practice on Wednesday.
      • Mid-range WR3 with multiple avenues to quality upside
  • Tucker Kraft (6-4-60)
    • Kraft has been excellent since entering the starting lineup and has played 90%+ snaps and routes for the Packers. With four double-digit fantasy games in his last five, Kraft is a high-end TE2 going into Minnesota.
      • High-end TE2/priority streaming option

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Houston Texans

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Robert WoodsWR621406618.6%83.0%81.3%12.5%2.313.6%11.00.320.3180.2124461
Nico CollinsWR641814512.7%45.3%46.7%12.5%3.025.0%7.50.750.2760.4002435
Noah BrownWR733809225.9%84.9%81.3%14.6%5.415.6%13.10.840.4000.4134561
John MetchieWR3000318.7%26.4%24.0%6.3%0.021.4%10.30.000.1550.0001418
Xavier HutchinsonWR21180267.3%45.3%41.3%4.2%9.08.3%13.00.750.1140.6922431
Dalton SchultzTE1186104412.4%69.8%78.7%22.9%5.529.7%4.01.650.4311.3863759
Brevin JordanTE32270318.7%22.6%25.3%6.3%9.025.0%10.32.250.1550.8711219
Eric SaubertTE     0.0%1.9%5.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00014
Dameon PierceRB2110051.4%13.2%14.7%4.2%5.028.6%2.51.430.0722.000711
Devin SingletaryRB3319061.7%28.3%44.0%6.3%6.320.0%2.01.270.1063.1671533
Dare OgunbowaleRB3000123.4%37.7%41.3%6.3%0.015.0%4.00.000.1170.0002031
Andrew BeckFB2261-3-0.8%9.4%17.3%4.2%3.040.0%-1.51.200.057-2.000513

Week 16 Houston Texans Fantasy Takeaways:

  • C.J. Stroud (Missed Week 16 - concussion)
    • Stroud missed Week 16 as he was unable to clear concussion protocol. He may make his return in Week 17 as he’s trending toward being cleared and getting back on the field.
      • Top-8 fantasy QB when healthy
  • Devin Singletary (9-44; 3-3-19)
    • Of course, after getting to the 75% snap mark in Week 15, Dare Ogunbowale needs to get way more involved than he should be. Still, Houston abandoned the run pretty early, so plug Singletary in as a low-end RB2 with flex appeal for Week 17.
      • Low-end RB2 and a solid flex
  • Nico Collins (6-4-18-1)
    • Collins got a late touchdown to salvage his day, but his prospects trend up significantly if Stroud is healthy for the Texans. Consider Collins a high-end WR3 with upside against the Tennessee Titans’ pass funnel.
      • High-end WR2 when healthy
  • Noah Brown (7-3-38)
    • With Stroud back, it gives some of the secondary passing-game options new life, which includes Brown. Against the Titans’ pass funnel, Brown should be a solid low-end WR3 or flex option capable of carrying some target volume.
      • Low-end WR3/mid-range flex
  • Dalton Schultz (11-8-61)
    • Schultz is a boom-or-bust tight end fantasy option but gets a bit of a bump if C.J. Strous suits up. With tight end such a wasteland and Stroud returning, he’s at the bottom-end of the TE1 options.
      • Low-end TE1/high-end TE streamer

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Indianapolis Colts

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Alec PierceWR7330011432.0%97.8%100.0%20.0%4.315.6%16.30.670.5240.2634571
Josh DownsWR963908022.5%93.5%93.0%25.7%4.320.9%8.90.910.5430.4884366
D.J. MontgomeryWR41807019.7%89.1%85.9%11.4%2.09.8%17.50.200.3090.1144161
Ethan FerneaWR     0.0%4.3%2.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00022
Mo Alie-CoxTE100082.2%15.2%26.8%2.9%0.014.3%8.00.000.0590.000719
Kylen GransonTE756205615.7%39.1%39.4%20.0%8.938.9%8.03.440.4101.1071828
Andrew OgletreeTE     0.0%6.5%15.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000311
Will MalloryTE444703610.1%45.7%38.0%11.4%11.819.0%9.02.240.2421.3062127
Jonathan TaylorRB1000-5-1.4%41.3%59.2%2.9%0.05.3%-5.00.000.0330.0001942
Trey SermonRB     0.0%8.7%19.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000414
Tyler GoodsonRB21150-3-0.8%23.9%19.7%5.7%7.518.2%-1.51.360.080-5.0001114

Week 16 Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Gardner Minshew (20-of-37, 201 yds., 0/1; 4-31)
    • Minshew hasn’t been particularly great, but he’s capable of game-managing this offense. That just makes him a low-floor streamer.
      • Mid-range QB2/okay streamer
  • Jonathan Taylor (18-43-1; 1-0)
    • Taylor’s role is pretty solid, but for some reason, the Colts and Shane Steichen want to mix in Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson. Still, fire Taylor up as an RB1 with upside for overall RB1 each week.
      • Set-and-forget RB1
  • Michael Pittman (Missed Week 16 - concussion)
    • Pittman did not make Week 16’s game vs. the Falcons but should be in line to get on the field in Week 17 vs. Las Vegas.
      • High-end WR2 when healthy
  • Josh Downs (9-6-39)
    • Downs hasn’t been able to recapture his slot magic from the early season, as even with Pittman leaving the game and then unable to play in Week 16, Downs couldn’t capitalize on available targets. He does get a good matchup at home vs. the Raiders, but he’s a low-end flex if that.
      • High-end WR4/very low-end flex

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Calvin RidleyWR9690211127.3%94.3%80.3%20.9%10.018.0%12.31.800.5050.8115061
Jamal AgnewWR411206516.0%52.8%40.8%9.3%3.014.3%16.30.430.2520.1852831
Tim JonesWR533207618.7%66.0%59.2%11.6%6.414.3%15.20.910.3050.4213545
Parker WashingtonWR42190297.1%60.4%50.0%9.3%4.812.5%7.30.590.1900.6553238
Elijah CooksWR33380307.4%17.0%18.4%7.0%12.733.3%10.04.220.1561.267914
Evan EngramTE151095010225.1%88.7%78.9%34.9%6.331.9%6.82.020.6990.9314760
Luke FarrellTE     0.0%0.0%6.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00005
Brenton StrangeTE     0.0%9.4%14.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000511
Travis EtienneRB33190-7-1.7%37.7%63.2%7.0%6.315.0%-2.30.950.093-2.7142048
D'Ernest JohnsonRB     0.0%18.9%22.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001017

Week 16 Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Trevor Lawrence (17-of-29, 211 yds., 1/2; 4-29; left Week 16 - shoulder)
    • Lawrence came back from concussion protocol just to leave Week 17 with a shoulder injury. C.J. Beathard would start in Lawrence’s absence, but the sportsbooks still have the Jaguars as a touchdown-favorite, implying that Lawrence should be able to start in Week 17. Obviously, this is something to monitor.
      • Low-end QB1
  • Travis Etienne (6-12; 3-3-19)
    • Etienne’s role has precipitously dropped off in the last few weeks, as has the production. The Jaguars had to abandon the run down 20-0 to the Buccaneers, but even in a good matchup vs. Carolina, Etienne is still harder to trust in lineups as anything more than an RB2 or flex.
      • Mid-range RB2
  • Calvin Ridley (9-6-90-2)
    • Ridley went off in Week 16 without Zay Jones, as he was the only game in town besides Evan Engram. Ridley can hopefully keep this momentum going in another good matchup vs. Carolina in Week 17.
      • Volatile WR3 with WR1 upside 
  • Zay Jones (Missed Week 16 – hamstring)
    • Jones was solid but picked up a hamstring injury and was labeled “week-to-week.” Jones seems unlikely to go in Week 17 after missing Week 16.
      • High-end WR3
  • Evan Engram (15-10-95)
    • Engram is cementing himself into the top-6 conversation for next season’s tight end rankings, as his volume is almost unprecedented. He’s been a top-three fantasy tight end in three of the last four weeks, so Engram is locked into all fantasy lineups.
      • Mid-range TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Kansas City Chiefs

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Marquez Valdes-ScantlingWR1000127.2%82.5%80.3%2.4%0.02.1%12.00.000.0870.0004761
Rashee RiceWR1265708853.0%75.4%75.0%29.3%4.827.9%7.31.330.8100.6484357
Richie JamesWR335402213.3%33.3%32.9%7.3%18.015.8%7.32.840.2032.4551925
Justyn RossWR1120-1-0.6%14.0%13.2%2.4%2.012.5%-1.00.250.032-2.000810
Justin WatsonWR643815935.5%64.9%64.5%14.6%6.316.2%9.81.030.4680.6443749
Travis KelceTE75440-10-6.0%84.2%80.3%17.1%6.314.6%-1.40.920.214-4.4004861
Noah GrayTE31501911.4%33.3%42.1%7.3%1.715.8%6.30.260.1900.2631932
Blake BellTE1140-2-1.2%3.5%11.8%2.4%4.050.0%-2.02.000.028-2.00029
Isiah PachecoRB4400-13-7.8%42.1%56.6%9.8%0.016.7%-3.30.000.0920.0002443
Clyde Edwards-HelaireRB33420-8-4.8%38.6%39.5%7.3%14.013.6%-2.71.910.076-5.2502230
La'Mical PerineRB     0.0%3.5%3.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00023

Week 16 Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Patrick Mahomes (27-of-44, 235 yds., 1/1; 10-53)
    • Despite his weapons being up and down, we know what Mahomes can turn Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, and this ragtag bunch of weapons into every week. It just hasn’t materialized that often in 2023.
      • QB1, but the offense hasn’t provided many spike weeks
  • Isiah Pacheco (11-26-1; 4-4-0 - left Week 16 - concussion)
    • Pacheco left Week 16 after taking a knee to the head as his helmet came off during a tackle. As this happened on a Monday, it’s looking bleak for Pacheco in Week 17, so with Jerick McKinnon placed on IR, it’s looking like Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s backfield against the Bengals.
      • Mid-range RB2
  • Rashee Rice (12-6-57)
    • Rice has been a locked-in WR2 as one of the only things that’s worked in this Chiefs’ passing game this season.
      • Mid-range WR2 with upside for more
  • Travis Kelce (7-5-44)
    • If people want to blame Taylor Swift for Kelce’s shortcomings in fantasy, good luck talking to a wall. Kelce is still a TE1, but he hasn’t been the Kelce we’ve been accustomed to over the past few seasons.
      • TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Las Vegas Raiders

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Davante AdamsWR61408253.6%100.0%90.9%31.6%0.726.1%13.70.170.8490.0492350
Jakobi MeyersWR534206643.1%87.0%81.8%26.3%8.425.0%13.22.100.6970.6362045
Hunter RenfrowWR100053.3%21.7%20.0%5.3%0.020.0%5.00.000.1020.000511
Tre TuckerWR11-40-4-2.6%56.5%40.0%5.3%-4.07.7%-4.0-0.310.0611.0001322
DJ TurnerWR     0.0%0.0%7.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00004
Austin HooperTE32130106.5%73.9%89.1%15.8%4.317.6%3.30.760.2831.3001749
Cole FotheringhamTE116010.7%21.7%34.5%5.3%6.020.0%1.01.200.0846.000519
Zamir WhiteRB1000-8-5.2%56.5%76.4%5.3%0.07.7%-8.00.000.0420.0001342
Ameer AbdullahRB111010.7%26.1%21.8%5.3%1.016.7%1.00.170.0841.000612
Brandon BoldenRB     0.0%0.0%1.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00001
Jakob JohnsonFB     0.0%17.4%34.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000419

Week 16 Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Josh Jacobs (Missed Week 16 - quad)
    • Interim head coach Antonio Pierce expects Jacobs to be back in the lineup for Week 17 against the Colts.
      •  Mid-range RB1 when healthy
  • Zamir White (22-145; 1-0-0)
    • White took the bellcow role with 76% of the snaps for the Raiders and rewarded fantasy managers who took a chance on him with 145 yards rushing. If Jacobs makes Week 17, White becomes droppable, but Jacobs cannot go, White jumps back into the mid-range RB2 conversation. 
      • Mid-range RB2/flex option if Jacobs is out
  • Davante Adams (6-1-4)
    • The passing game just hasn’t materialized for the Raiders to a level of consistency we’d expect, and it’s crippled Adams’ value this season. You’re likely starting him if you have him in your semi-finals or fantasy championship, but the floor is lower and so is the ceiling.
      • High-end WR2
  • Jakobi Meyers (5-3-42)
    • Meyers is not immune to the passing game struggles this season for the Raiders, but he’s cemented himself as a low-end WR3 or flex option with a low floor.
      • Low-end WR3/mid-range flex

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Los Angeles Chargers

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Quentin JohnstonWR5229010641.7%79.5%82.9%15.6%5.816.1%21.20.940.5270.2743158
Joshua PalmerWR854705421.3%100.0%92.9%25.0%5.920.5%6.81.210.5240.8703965
Derius DavisWR116031.2%20.5%21.4%3.1%6.012.5%3.00.750.0552.000815
Jalen GuytonWR21120218.3%30.8%24.3%6.3%6.016.7%10.51.000.1520.5711217
Alex EricksonWR22310249.4%56.4%52.9%6.3%15.59.1%12.01.410.1601.2922237
Gerald EverettTE87420259.8%82.1%70.0%25.0%5.325.0%3.11.310.4441.6803249
Stone SmarttTE11230228.7%17.9%31.4%3.1%23.014.3%22.03.290.1081.045722
Nick VannettTE     0.0%7.7%22.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000316
Austin EkelerRB43210-2-0.8%53.8%64.3%12.5%5.319.0%-0.51.000.182-10.5002145
Joshua KelleyRB     0.0%5.1%11.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00028
Isaiah SpillerRB114010.4%17.9%24.3%3.1%4.014.3%1.00.570.0504.000717

Week 16 Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Austin Ekeler (15-65; 4-3-21)
    • Ekeler came back to looking a little closer to his normal self, but Ekeler still has disappointed his fantasy managers who spent a mid-first rounder on him. If you still have him on your championship roster, he’s probably more of an RB2.
      • High-end RB2 with reception-based upside
  • Keenan Allen (Missed Week 16 - heel)
    • Allen still hasn’t practiced with his heel injury and it’s a holding pattern right now. We may not see him for the rest of the season, which has been a pretty lost one for the Chargers.
      • Top-five fantasy receiver when healthy
  • Joshua Palmer (8-5-47)
    • Palmer is in concussion protocol and may not be cleared in time for their Week 17 game with Denver. That would throw Quentin Johnston, Jalen Guyton, and Alex Erickson as the top-three wide receivers for the Chargers. YIKES.
      • Low-end WR3 (with Allen in the lineup) and a mid-range WR3 without Allen

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Los Angeles Rams

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Cooper KuppWR1265205920.8%100.0%100.0%37.5%4.334.3%4.91.490.7080.8813570
Tutu AtwellWR     0.0%5.7%5.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00024
Puka NacuaWR119164115353.9%100.0%98.6%34.4%14.931.4%13.94.690.8931.0723569
Ben SkowronekWR     0.0%0.0%1.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00001
Demarcus RobinsonWR668216522.9%94.3%92.9%18.8%13.718.2%10.82.480.4411.2623365
Tyler HigbeeTE3330072.5%68.6%74.3%9.4%10.012.5%2.31.250.1584.2862452
Brycen HopkinsTE     0.0%2.9%2.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00012
Davis AllenTE     0.0%20.0%24.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000717
Kyren WilliamsRB     0.0%62.9%78.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0002255
Ronnie RiversRB     0.0%14.3%21.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000515

Week 16 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Matthew Stafford (24-of-34, 328 yds., 2/0; 1-(-4))
    • Stafford has been awesome in this late-season stretch for the Rams, with five consecutive top-12 fantasy weeks. He gets the Giants in Week 17, where he’ll have a great shot at his sixth-straight game in the fantasy top-12.
      • High-end QB2/worthy streamer
  • Kyren Williams (22-104-1)
    • Williams is an absolute stud with one of the best roles in fantasy football for a running back.
      • Low-end RB1 with receiving upside
  • Cooper Kupp (12-6-52; 1-(-3))
    • Kupp looks healthy again, and this offense is finding its groove late in the season. Kupp looks good and needs to be in every lineup down the stretch.
      • Low-end WR1
  • Puka Nacua (11-9-164-1; 2-16)
    • Nacua does exceptionally well playing off of Cooper Kupp, and quarterback Matthew Stafford looks for him just as much as Kupp. Nacua is a slight step down in terms of fantasy value, but he’s a worthy start in every format in the fantasy playoffs.
      • High-end WR2
  • DeMarcus Robinson (6-6-82-1)
    • DeMarcus Robinson has completely usurped Tutu Atwell’s role in this offense, and while it’s a much lower floor, Robinson is a professional wide receiver and should play incredibly well off of Kupp and Nacua to get looks when defensive attention is squarely on those two and Kyren Williams.
      • Mid-range WR3

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Miami Dolphins

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Tyreek HillWR14999016546.2%94.9%84.6%41.2%7.137.8%11.82.680.9410.6003755
Jaylen WaddleWR415006919.3%43.6%43.1%11.8%12.523.5%17.32.940.3120.7251728
Braxton BerriosWR     0.0%53.8%46.2%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0002130
Cedrick WilsonWR534204713.2%56.4%61.5%14.7%8.422.7%9.41.910.3130.8942240
Robbie ChosenWR11190185.0%7.7%7.7%2.9%19.033.3%18.06.330.0791.05635
Chase ClaypoolWR     0.0%5.1%4.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00023
Durham SmytheTE55560349.5%74.4%84.6%14.7%11.217.2%6.81.930.2871.6472955
Julian HillTE     0.0%10.3%16.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000411
Raheem MostertRB114120.6%20.5%29.2%2.9%4.012.5%2.00.500.0482.000819
Jeff WilsonRB114020.6%20.5%23.1%2.9%4.012.5%2.00.500.0482.000815
De'Von AchaneRB3170205.6%66.7%55.4%8.8%2.311.5%6.70.270.1720.3502636
Alec IngoldFB     0.0%30.8%43.1%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001228

Week 16 Miami Dolphins Fantasy Takeaways: 

  • Tua Tagovailoa (24-of-37, 293 yds., 1/0; 2-(-2))
    • Tua is still a very solid QB1 option.
      • Mid-range QB1
  • Raheem Mostert (11-46; 1-1-4-1)
  • De’Von Achane (7-24; 3-1-7)
    • While Mostert’s role as the primary ball carrier isn’t in question, Achane’s role has diminished to where we can’t recommend him as anything more than an upside flex play.
      • Achane is a low-end RB2/flex option right now, with Mostert taking much of the high-leverage work and high-value touches as a low-end RB1
  • Tyreek Hill (14-9-99)
    • Stud. He's the best fantasy wide receiver right now.
      • THE WR1
  • Jaylen Waddle (4-1-50; 1-2; left Week 16 - eye/chest/high-ankle sprain)
    • Waddle is dealing with a bunch of injuries, but the big news is his high-ankle sprain, which could sideline him for the rest of the regular season. Keep tabs, but high-ankle sprains are just awful, multi-week injuries.
      • Low-end WR2 (when healthy)

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Minnesota Vikings

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Justin JeffersonWR96141122242.1%97.6%98.2%27.3%15.722.5%24.73.530.7040.6354054
Jordan AddisonWR31206512.3%31.7%38.2%9.1%0.723.1%21.70.150.2230.0311321
K.J. OsbornWR7595110419.7%92.7%85.5%21.2%13.618.4%14.92.500.4560.9133847
Brandon PowellWR43530387.2%53.7%50.9%12.1%13.318.2%9.52.410.2321.3952228
Lucky JacksonWR     0.0%2.4%1.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00011
T.J. HockensonTE44580407.6%43.9%43.6%12.1%14.522.2%10.03.220.2351.4501824
Josh OliverTE2133030.6%19.5%36.4%6.1%16.525.0%1.54.130.09511.000820
Johnny MundtTE31230529.9%43.9%41.8%9.1%7.716.7%17.31.280.2050.4421823
Alexander MattisonRB     0.0%2.4%9.1%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00015
Ty ChandlerRB     0.0%29.3%65.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001236
C.J. HamFB116030.6%24.4%30.9%3.0%6.010.0%3.00.600.0492.0001017

Week 16 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Ty Chandler (8-17-1)
    • Chandler was a monster in Week 15 as he was efficient, ripped off chunks of yardage and scored while helping out in the receiving game. In Week 16? Well, Chandler scored, but there wasn’t much meat on the bone for Chandler to do much more of anything against a stout Detroit front. The path gets easier for Chandler with the Packers heading into U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday Night Football.
      • Chandler is a mid-range RB2 for the rest of the season
  • Justin Jefferson (10-6-141-1)
    • He’s a stud. Jefferson is a fantasy starter every week.
      • Locked-in WR1
  • Jordan Addison (4-1-2; left Week 16 - ankle)
    • Addison left Week 16 with an ankle injury, and we’ll see if this knocks him out for Week 17. Unfortunately, they play on Sunday Night Football so that makes setting lineups incredibly tough. If Addison can’t go, K.J. Osborn vaults into high-end WR3 territory across from Justin Jefferson.
      • High-end WR4
  • T.J. Hockenson (4-4-58; left Week 16 - torn ACL/MCL)
    • Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16 and will miss the remainder of this season and likely part of next season too. Absolutely brutal injury for fantasy and the Vikings.
      • Drop from rosters

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: T.J. Hockenson (out for season and likely part of next season with a torn ACL/MCL), Alexander Mattison (only saw two touches with Chandler taking the job from him)

 

New England Patriots

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
DeVante ParkerWR546507133.5%88.9%93.1%16.1%13.015.6%14.22.030.4760.9153254
Demario DouglasWR857408339.2%91.7%74.1%25.8%9.324.2%10.42.240.6610.8923343
Kayshon BoutteWR     0.0%8.3%8.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00035
Tyquan ThorntonWR11110-2-0.9%11.1%8.6%3.2%11.025.0%-2.02.750.042-5.50045
Jalen ReagorWR223302712.7%86.1%86.2%6.5%16.56.5%13.51.060.1861.2223150
Mike GesickiTE22151115.2%86.1%65.5%6.5%7.56.5%5.50.480.1331.3643138
Pharaoh BrownTE22250178.0%22.2%46.6%6.5%12.525.0%8.53.130.1531.471827
Matt SokolTE     0.0%0.0%17.2%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000010
Ezekiel ElliottRB11933152.4%72.2%82.8%35.5%3.042.3%0.51.270.5496.6002648
Kevin HarrisRB     0.0%8.3%17.2%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000310

Week 16 New England Patriots Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Ezekiel Elliott (12-27; 11-9-33-1)
    • His work on the ground was inefficient, but he earned 11 targets, scored a touchdown, and was the embodiment of the PPR argument where people ask what Elliott did to deserve 21 fantasy points. Hey, it all counts and with no Stevenson return as he was placed on IR, fire up Zeke as a low-end RB2 for the rest of the season.
      • Low-end RB2
  • Hunter Henry (Missed Week 16 - knee)
    • Henry did miss Week 16 due to a knee injury, and he will likely carry an injury designation this weekend if he’s not ruled out against the Bills in Week 17. The Patriots’ passing game is one of the worst in football, but Henry being a tight end lowers the bar considerably as far as who we feel good about starting. That, of course, assumes he’s healthy.
      • High-end TE2/streamer when healthy

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New Orleans Saints

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Chris OlaveWR139123012332.5%90.7%75.0%32.5%9.533.3%9.53.150.7151.0003945
Rashid ShaheedWR9570113435.4%93.0%81.7%22.5%7.822.5%14.91.750.5860.5224049
A.T. PerryWR11351359.3%72.1%60.0%2.5%35.03.2%35.01.130.1021.0003136
Keith KirkwoodWR119092.4%4.7%15.0%2.5%9.050.0%9.04.500.0541.00029
Lynn BowdenWR     0.0%7.0%21.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000313
Juwan JohnsonTE744816818.0%74.4%71.7%17.5%6.921.9%9.71.500.3880.7063243
Foster MoreauTE21130236.1%14.0%40.0%5.0%6.533.3%11.52.170.1180.565624
Taysom HillTE     0.0%14.0%16.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000610
Jimmy GrahamTE     0.0%4.7%3.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00022
Alvin KamaraRB65160-10-2.6%48.8%73.3%15.0%2.728.6%-1.70.760.206-1.6002144
Jamaal WilliamsRB1150-4-1.1%14.0%21.7%2.5%5.016.7%-4.00.830.030-1.250613
Adam PrenticeFB     0.0%2.3%8.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00015

Week 16 New Orleans Saints Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Derek Carr (27-of-40, 319 yds., 3/1; 2-2)
    • Carr is a solid, no-frills option where you’re hoping for passing volume. That should be on the menu again as the Saints travel to Tampa to face the Buccaneers.
      • High-end QB2/solid quarterback streaming option
  • Alvin Kamara (9-19; 6-5-16)
    • He has been no worse than RB19 in any of his games this season until this past week. Still, Kamara is a set-and-forget low-end RB1.
      • Low-end RB1/high-end RB2
  • Chris Olave (13-9-123; 5-5-4)
    • The NFL’s leading air yards merchant will be on display after an excellent Week 16, where he led the way in all receiving categories but touchdowns. Olave gets a bad rap in fantasy, but he’s got overall WR1 upside every week with his particular role as a target-earning field stretcher. 
      • High-end WR2 with WR1 upside
  • Rashid Shaheed (9-5-70-1; 1-4)
    • Speaking of field stretching, do you have the “Need for Shaheed”? With the Saints taking on the Bucs this weekend, passing volume should be in abundance, so I’ll be firing up Shaheed as a massive upside flex play.
      • Mid-range WR3/upside flex

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New York Giants

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Darius SlaytonWR339115322.9%94.3%93.7%11.1%30.39.1%17.72.760.3271.7173359
Isaiah HodginsWR     0.0%28.6%42.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001027
Jalin HyattWR     0.0%68.6%55.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0002435
Wan'Dale RobinsonWR731606729.0%65.7%71.4%25.9%2.330.4%9.60.700.5920.2392345
Sterling ShepardWR     0.0%2.9%1.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00011
Gunner OlszewskiWR     0.0%5.7%4.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00023
Darren WallerTE523205322.9%71.4%63.5%18.5%6.420.0%10.61.280.4380.6042540
Daniel BellingerTE544303113.4%42.9%63.5%18.5%8.633.3%6.22.870.3721.3871540
Saquon BarkleyRB63403213.9%65.7%88.9%22.2%0.726.1%5.30.170.4300.1252356
Matt BreidaRB1130-5-2.2%11.4%7.9%3.7%3.025.0%-5.00.750.040-0.60045

Week 16 New York Giants Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Saquon Barkley (23-80; 6-3-4)
    • Perhaps this offense will stabilize a little bit with the move to Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. That helps Barkley get going a bit here, as Taylor should be able to game-manage, keep defenses honest, and provide enough rushing upside to give Barkley some running lanes against the LA Rams.
      • High-end RB2
  • Darren Waller (5-2-32)
    • Waller has gone from 47% routes per dropback in Week 15 to 71% in Week 16, and now, he gets Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, which doesn’t seem like an upgrade, but he should be a steady enough hand to make this offense functional. If I have him, I’m still firing up Waller as my starting fantasy tight end.
      • Low-end TE1 when healthy

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New York Jets

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Garrett WilsonWR1497605942.8%100.0%95.6%32.6%5.427.5%4.21.490.7881.2885186
Allen LazardWR10002618.8%25.5%26.7%2.3%0.07.7%26.00.000.1670.0001324
Jason BrownleeWR2181107.2%88.2%82.2%4.7%4.04.4%5.00.180.1200.8004574
Xavier GipsonWR211032.2%70.6%62.2%4.7%0.55.6%1.50.030.0850.3333656
Tyler ConklinTE743602215.9%82.4%83.3%16.3%5.116.7%3.10.860.3561.6364275
Jeremy RuckertTE     0.0%11.8%23.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000621
Kenny YeboahTE100053.6%7.8%25.6%2.3%0.025.0%5.00.000.0600.000423
Breece HallRB1612960139.4%72.5%76.7%37.2%6.043.2%0.82.590.6247.3853769
Dalvin CookRB     0.0%3.9%5.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00025
Israel AbanikandaRB     0.0%9.8%17.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000516

Week 16 New York Jets Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Breece Hall (20-95-2; 16-12-96)
    • While Hall’s massive performance is something to take note of, his upcoming Week 17 against the Browns represents the other side of the coin from last week’s game against the Commanders. Last week was probably the best-case scenario, this upcoming week could be the worst. I sure hope not.
      • Low-end RB2
  • Garrett Wilson (15-9-76)
    • Trevor Siemian understands the assignment, apparently. Get the ball to Garrett Wilson, even if it’s inefficient. We’ll take it.
      • High-end WR3

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Philadelphia Eagles

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
A.J. BrownWR11680010452.8%95.1%97.3%30.6%7.328.2%9.52.050.8280.7693973
DeVonta SmithWR547913417.3%92.7%93.3%13.9%15.813.2%6.82.080.3292.3243870
Quez WatkinsWR     0.0%0.0%1.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00001
Olamide ZaccheausWR1000-5-2.5%36.6%24.0%2.8%0.06.7%-5.00.000.0240.0001518
Britain CoveyWR1170-3-1.5%2.4%1.3%2.8%7.0100.0%-3.07.000.031-2.33311
Julio JonesWR41502814.2%39.0%26.7%11.1%1.325.0%7.00.310.2660.1791620
Dallas GoedertTE977104422.3%87.8%85.3%25.0%7.925.0%4.91.970.5311.6143664
Jack StollTE     0.0%22.0%52.0%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000939
Grant CalcaterraTE2221021.0%12.2%18.7%5.6%10.540.0%1.04.200.09010.500514
D'Andre SwiftRB     0.0%26.8%57.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001143
Kenneth GainwellRB33380-7-3.6%31.7%40.0%8.3%12.723.1%-2.32.920.100-5.4291330
Boston ScottRB     0.0%2.4%2.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00012

Week 16 Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Jalen Hurts (24-of-38, 301 yds., 1/1; 8-34-1)
    • A weekly stud that needs to be in all lineups. Good for a rushing score every week, it seems like.
      • A must-start QB1
  • D’Andre Swift (20-92-1)
    • Swift was solid in Week 16 against the Giants and got into the end zone (though not from close - those are only reserved for one Jalen Hurts!). 
      • Mid-range RB2
  • A.J. Brown (11-6-80)
    • Stud. Grown a** man. Brown is a must-start each week.
      • Locked-in WR1
  • DeVonta Smith (5-4-79-1)
    • Also, a stud. You’ve got to start Smith each week because he plays off of the matchups and attention A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts get from defenses, though Smith certainly deserves that in his own right.
      • High-end WR2 with potential for overall WR1 spike weeks
  • Dallas Goedert (9-7-71)
    • Goedert is always capable of the blowup games, so you can’t drop him. He’s a bottom-end TE1 with a high floor that can get to the ceiling game occasionally. At tight end, that’s good enough.
      • Low-end TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Diontae JohnsonWR521506326.4%69.0%62.7%20.0%3.025.0%12.60.750.4850.2382037
George PickensWR64195210744.8%89.7%78.0%24.0%32.523.1%17.87.500.6731.8222646
Allen RobinsonWR443602912.1%62.1%67.8%16.0%9.022.2%7.32.000.3251.2411840
Calvin AustinWR20005121.3%24.1%18.6%8.0%0.028.6%25.50.000.2690.000711
Miles BoykinWR116062.5%17.2%28.8%4.0%6.020.0%6.01.200.0781.000517
Pat FreiermuthTE     0.0%79.3%62.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0002337
Darnell WashingtonTE118010.4%24.1%49.2%4.0%8.014.3%1.01.140.0638.000729
Rodney WilliamsTE     0.0%6.9%3.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00022
Najee HarrisRB     0.0%10.3%44.1%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000326
Jaylen WarrenRB65300-18-7.5%58.6%57.6%24.0%5.035.3%-3.01.760.307-1.6671734
Connor HeywardFB     0.0%20.7%23.7%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000614

Week 16 Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Jaylen Warren (8-24; 6-5-30)
  • Najee Harris (19-78-1)
    • While Warren is playing most of the snaps (59%) and routes (58%), Harris is playing the role of Jordan Howard, where if he’s out there, you can bet he’s getting the ball on the ground. That makes for a very predictable offense. Harris was pretty efficient on the ground, whereas Warren played more of a satellite role vs. getting the ball on the ground and letting him gain momentum that way. 
      • Harris and Warren are low-end RB2s without much upside, though Harris carries the touchdown equity in this backfield
  • Diontae Johnson (5-2-15)
    • Johnson had touchdowns in three straight games before Week 16’s dud, but that makes him completely touchdown-dependent, as Johnson has not earned the volume that’s made him a floor option in fantasy football. He’s had to trust, but so is everybody else in this offense right now.
      • Low-end WR3
  • George Pickens (6-4-195-2)
    • George Pickens? A bunch of middling games and then this blowup at the hands of Mason Rudolph? It’s hard to take this as signal to start him, but at least he has a pulse. You couldn’t get me to start him, though. Even with a solid matchup against the Seahawks in Week 17.
      • Low-end WR3 with upside

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

San Francisco 49ers

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Brandon AiyukWR7611307827.5%92.5%94.3%15.9%16.114.3%11.12.310.4311.4494966
Deebo SamuelWR1244706623.2%94.3%95.7%27.3%3.924.0%5.50.940.5720.7125067
Ronnie BellWR11121124.2%5.7%4.3%2.3%12.033.3%12.04.000.0641.00033
Willie SneadWR2150124.2%35.8%35.7%4.5%2.510.5%6.00.260.0980.4171925
Chris ConleyWR     0.0%22.6%17.1%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001212
George KittleTE107126010135.6%84.9%88.6%22.7%12.622.2%10.12.800.5901.2484562
Charlie WoernerTE     0.0%22.6%22.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001216
Brayden WillisTE     0.0%1.9%1.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00011
Christian McCaffreyRB10628062.1%94.3%100.0%22.7%2.820.0%0.60.560.3564.6675070
Kyle JuszczykFB215093.2%37.7%40.0%4.5%2.510.0%4.50.250.0900.5562028

Week 16 San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Brock Purdy (18-of-32, 255 yds., 0/4)
    • Purdy had what was likely his worst game as a professional and there’s no shame in that. The Ravens were his toughest test, but he gets a lay-up matchup against the Commanders to get right in Week 17.
      • Top-6/7 fantasy quarterback
  • Christian McCaffrey (14-103; 10-6-28)
    • Stud.
      • CMC is THE RB1
  • Brandon Aiyuk (7-6-113)
    • Aiyuk did a lot of his damage in the second half in Week 16, but he’s been awesome all season.
      • Set-and-forget WR2 with WR1 spike weeks
  • Deebo Samuel (12-4-47; 2-7)
    • Deebo is a locked-in WR1 with a rare, inefficient down game in Week 16. Still, he’s a must-start fantasy option.
      • Must-start WR1
  • George Kittle (10-7-126)
    • You’re playing Kittle regardless of matchup, but we take his low and middling games to get the enormous spike weeks. That’s what we got in Week 16.
      • Set-and-forget TE1

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Seattle Seahawks

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
DK MetcalfWR645615322.8%90.0%88.7%16.7%9.316.7%8.81.560.4101.0573655
Tyler LockettWR11881011549.6%87.5%80.6%30.6%7.431.4%10.52.310.8050.7043550
Jaxon Smith-NjigbaWR766103916.8%72.5%62.9%19.4%8.724.1%5.62.100.4091.5642939
Jake BoboWR31802711.6%25.0%25.8%8.3%2.730.0%9.00.800.2060.2961016
Dareke YoungWR     0.0%2.5%1.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00011
Noah FantTE     0.0%70.0%75.8%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0002847
Will DisslyTE1160-3-1.3%10.0%25.8%2.8%6.025.0%-3.01.500.033-2.000416
Colby ParkinsonTE431712510.8%32.5%37.1%11.1%4.330.8%6.31.310.2420.6801323
Kenneth WalkerRB2120-11-4.7%35.0%58.1%5.6%1.014.3%-5.50.140.050-0.1821436
Zach CharbonnetRB21-40-13-5.6%42.5%41.9%5.6%-2.011.8%-6.5-0.240.0440.3081726
DeeJay DallasRB     0.0%0.0%1.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00001

Week 16 Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Geno Smith (25-of-36, 227 yds., 2/0; 1-2)
    • A solid return for Geno Smith, but right now, he’s a streaming option for fantasy managers searching for a quarterback option.
      • Mid-range QB2/okay streamer
  • Kenneth Walker (16-54; 2-1-2)
    • Walker took more of the touches yet again in Week 16. Walker is back in his Week 1 role for Seattle and has relegated Zach Charbonnet to spot duty.
      • Mid-range RB2
  • DK Metcalf (6-4-56-1)
    • Solid day at the office as Metcalf caught the first touchdown in the fourth quarter to help Seattle come back and keep their playoff hopes alive against Seattle. Metcalf is a low-end WR2 that we know can be volatile by the week.
      • Boom-or-bust low-end WR2 with some spike week potential
  • Tyler Lockett (11-8-81)
    • Lockett seems to be ping-ponging high-volume weeks with middling weeks, but Week 16 was the good side of variance for Lockett. He’s a bit harder to trust this season than in previous seasons, but he’s startable as a flex option or as a WR3.
      • Low-end WR3/okay flex option
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba (7-6-61)
    • Consistently getting 73-83% of routes per dropback, Smith-Njigba has been solid but not carrying the upside we’re looking for in 2023. He’s a back-end flex option, but he’s still the third passing-game option in an offense that has taken a step back in 2023.
      • Low-end WR3/mid-range flex option

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: Zach Charbonnet (Walker has seized the full role in Seattle for their playoff push)

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Mike EvansWR878627131.4%90.2%77.0%22.9%10.821.6%8.92.320.5631.2113757
Chris GodwinWR1167809642.5%97.6%79.7%31.4%7.127.5%8.71.950.7690.8134059
Trey PalmerWR644203314.6%70.7%52.7%17.1%7.020.7%5.51.450.3591.2732939
Deven ThompkinsWR     0.0%7.3%18.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000314
David MooreWR117073.1%14.6%31.1%2.9%7.016.7%7.01.170.0651.000623
Cade OttonTE117031.3%85.4%97.3%2.9%7.02.9%3.00.200.0522.3333572
Ko KieftTE     0.0%7.3%23.0%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000317
Payne DurhamTE112502511.1%4.9%14.9%2.9%25.050.0%25.012.500.1201.000211
Rachaad WhiteRB76380-9-4.0%68.3%67.6%20.0%5.425.0%-1.31.360.272-4.2222850
Chase EdmondsRB     0.0%24.4%32.4%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.0001024

Week 16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Baker Mayfield (26-of-35, 283 yds., 2/0; 5-5)
    • Baker Mayfield has been excellent over the last month and now gets a potential shootout with the Saints. While Mayfield is this hot, I’d be looking at him as the top quarterback stream of the week.
      • High-end QB2/excellent streamer
  • Rachaad White (20-39-1; 7-6-38)
    • White has a top-three running back role in fantasy and is shockingly close to the role Christian McCaffrey has without the fanfare or a consistently superb, efficient offense. White has been superb in the back half of 2023, and despite some inefficiency in Week 16, he still scored a touchdown and provided some floor with his receiving work. White may have had the most unassuming 19.7 fantasy points I can remember.
      • High-end RB2 with RB1 potential
  • Mike Evans (8-7-86-2)
    • Evans crushed in an excellent matchup in typical Mike Evans fashion. Lock him into your lineups as always.
      • Low-end WR1/high-end WR2 each week
  • Chris Godwin (11-6-78; 1-1)
    • Godwin has been excellent at earning volume over the past few weeks, so with Mayfield operating this offense at such a high level, Godwin is reaping the benefits as a high-end WR3 in fantasy football.
      • High-end WR3/quality flex

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Tennessee Titans

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
DeAndre HopkinsWR422004032.8%94.3%81.8%16.7%5.012.1%10.00.610.4800.5003354
Treylon BurksWR322501915.6%77.1%72.7%12.5%8.311.1%6.30.930.2971.3162748
Chris MooreWR21902016.4%71.4%74.2%8.3%4.58.0%10.00.360.2400.4502549
Colton DowellWR113032.5%17.1%21.2%4.2%3.016.7%3.00.500.0801.000614
Mason KinseyWR1160-2-1.6%5.7%4.5%4.2%6.050.0%-2.03.000.051-3.00023
Chigoziem OkonkwoTE666314940.2%80.0%71.2%25.0%10.521.4%8.22.250.6561.2862847
Kevin RaderTE     0.0%14.3%40.9%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000527
Derrick HenryRB11110-8-6.6%14.3%48.5%4.2%11.020.0%-8.02.200.017-1.375532
Tyjae SpearsRB6527010.8%65.7%56.1%25.0%4.526.1%0.21.170.38127.0002337

Week 16 Tennessee Titans Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Derrick Henry (19-88-1; 1-1-11; 1-of-1 passing, 12 yds., 1/0)
    • “Dehember” went out with a bang as Henry threw a touchdown pass and ran one in as well. While Henry is always in danger of being game-scripted out of tough matchups should the score get out of hand, you’ve got to start him.
      • Low-end RB2 but still retains some diminishing RB1 upside
  • DeAndre Hopkins (4-2-20)
    • Hopkins caught the low end of variance, with Ryan Tannehill being moderately ineffective in his return to the starting role. That variance really is the one thing Hopkins actually DID catch, as he only brought two passes in. Hopkins is a decent WR3 in lineups, but this offense doesn’t give the most confidence in starting their pass-catching options in fantasy football.
      • High-end WR3
  • Chigoziem Okonkwo (6-6-63-1)
    • Okonkwo has seen his receiving role increase steadily over the past few weeks, with Week 16 representing his season-high in routes per dropback (80%) and the production to go with it. He’s a streamer and not the most confidence-inspiring option, but if you’re scrounging for production after losing T.J. Hockenson, then you can do much worse than Okonkwo.
      • High-end TE2/streamer

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Washington Commanders

NamePosTargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %Yards per TargetTPRRaDOTYPRRWOPRRACRPlayer RoutesPlayer Snaps
Terry McLaurinWR535001510.2%91.9%91.8%15.6%10.014.7%3.01.470.3063.3333456
Jahan DotsonWR423105839.5%78.4%73.8%12.5%7.813.8%14.51.070.4640.5342945
Curtis SamuelWR6116010.7%62.2%65.6%18.8%2.726.1%0.20.700.28616.0002340
Dyami BrownWR     0.0%21.6%21.3%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.000813
Byron PringleWR20002517.0%13.5%18.0%6.3%0.040.0%12.50.000.2130.000511
Jamison CrowderWR100074.8%10.8%8.2%3.1%0.025.0%7.00.000.0800.00045
Logan ThomasTE653613523.8%78.4%70.5%18.8%6.020.7%5.81.240.4481.0292943
John BatesTE5314042.7%37.8%42.6%15.6%2.835.7%0.81.000.2533.5001426
Cole TurnerTE     0.0%2.7%6.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00014
Antonio GibsonRB212042.7%43.2%44.3%6.3%1.012.5%2.00.130.1130.5001627
Chris RodriguezRB1170-2-1.4%27.0%39.3%3.1%7.010.0%-2.00.700.037-3.5001024
Derrick GoreRB     0.0%8.1%11.5%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00037
Alex ArmahFB     0.0%2.7%6.6%0.0%0.00.0%0.00.000.0000.00014

Week 16 Washington Commanders Fantasy Takeaways:

  • Brian Robinson (MIssed Week 16 - hamstring)
    • Robinson still hasn’t practiced, and Gibson retained his previous role as Chris Rodriguez saw 11 touches and two touchdowns. Robinson did return to practice in a limited capacity, so perhaps we could be ramping up to a Robinson return in Week 17? He’d be hard to recommend with a matchup on tap with the 49ers, but he’s still an RB2 option.
      • Mid-range RB2 when healthy
  • Chris Rodriguez (10-58-2; 1-1-7)
    • Chris Rodriguez has filled in admirably for Brian Robinson and got into the end zone twice. If Robinson cannot play in Week 17, Rodriguez would be a touchdown-or-bust RB3 option against the 49ers.
      • Mid-range WR3
  • Terry McLaurin (5-3-50)
    • McLaurin couldn’t capitalize on the momentum from Jacoby Brissett getting into the game, but Brissett was named the starting quarterback for the Commanders in Week 17. At the very least, we know there will be passing attempts, so hopefully, Brissett understands the assignment with McLaurin, even in a touch matchup at home vs. the 49ers.
      • Mid-range WR3

Add ‘Em: N/A

Dump ‘Em: Sam Howell (was benched for Jacoby Brissett; can’t trust Howell anymore). Logan Thomas (still living off of his 2020 season somehow), Antonio Gibson (couldn’t even gain any more work without Robinson in the lineup)

 

Stat Credits: